Visiting friends and family over Christmas? You may need to plan ahead if you’re hoping to go by train.

Network Rail has announced it will be carrying out a ‘significant amount of improvement work’ – launching on Christmas Eve.

While this is good timing for city centre commuters as they’re likely to be off work, it could be chaotic for people wanting to travel in and out of Birmingham to be with friends and family for the festive period.

The work is part of the Railway Upgrade Plan and will continue right through to January 3.

There will be track and signalling upgrades in the Birmingham area, which will affect trains between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

And a bridge replacement between Rugby and Stafford is likely to disrupt services in that area too.

There’s also a track renewal planned between Northampton and Rugby.

Network Rail staff working on Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2015 to upgrade the track at New Street Station

Read More

Phil Edwards, assistant director transportation and connectivity at Birmingham City Council, said: “With so much going on in Birmingham during the festive period as well as a number of ongoing transport projects and developments, the city is going to be very busy.

“It is therefore important to plan your journeys and allow plenty of time for travel. We recommend leaving the car at home and using public transport, walking or cycling as the best options for travel.”

Network Rail has also warned that the launch of the German Market is likely to make the run-up to Christmas extremely busy for train users too.

This year’s market, ice rink and big wheel will launch on Thursday November 16 and the attractions are a huge pull for people wanting to get into the festive spirit, many of whom choose to travel by train.